Allow users to refresh external data?

[rookieman123]

Hello:

I am using Excel 2003. I have a spreadsheet consisting of data imported from an external database. As the "author" of the file and the database query, I have the option of refreshing the data from the external source.

When other users open the file, they find it is "read only". I cannot figure out how to unprotect it to allow users to refresh the data.

I hope this was sufficiently descriptive. Thanks for any help.

 

[ETID]

Do the other users have the necessary DSN for the ODBC Coneection?

 

[rookieman123]

Yes. Unless I am missing something, it is my inability to properly unprotect the workbook I created that is the problem, rather than any problem with them connecting to the data source.

Thanks!

 

[elsenorjose]

I believe you might have some luck if you share the workbook.

Tools > Share Workbook

Click 'Allow changes by more than one user at the same time..."

Note that this will require you to choose which changes get incorporated into the final version of the workbook which can be set in the 'Advanced' tab of the dialog box that opens up.

Hope this helps.